Accounting

Cheques and balances. It all adds up.

Formats (Online / Blended / In-Person)

The Accounting programs (Diploma in Accounting and Certificate in Advanced Accounting) offer courses in two different learning formats. It is important that you consider the learning format and its suitability for you in order to ensure that you have a successful learning experience.

In-Person Format

Part time

Courses run one time per week for three hours over the course of 13-14 weeks for a total of 42 contact hours of instruction. Final exam is held on the last day of the course.

Courses are offered in the evening throughout the academic year (Fall, Winter and/or Spring semester). In addition to evening scheduling, some courses are available on Saturday or Sunday mornings, as well as weekday morning and afternoon.

Class size ranges from 10 to 45 students.

You should expect to allocate at least three hours per week for reading, study and assignments, in addition to class time.

Courses are held at McMaster’s downtown location: One James St. North, Hamilton, unless otherwise indicated.

You should attend all classes as the classroom work represents a significant part of the learning experience.

Considerations for taking an In-Class (Part time) course

Your schedule allows you to attend class at the same time each week.

You prefer interacting with your peers and feeling part of a classroom environment.

You prefer weekly feedback from an instructor.

You occasionally need reminders and reinforcements to get your studying done.

You prefer the instructor explain the readings and the assignments.

Fast Track (Condensed/Intensive)

Courses meet two (2) times per week for three hours each time (6 hours per week) and run for 7 weeks for a total of 42 contact hours of instruction. Typically, there are two or three days between sessions (i.e Mondays & Thursdays or Tuesdays & Saturdays).

Blended Format

You will be interacting with your classmates and your instructor each week either in-person, as per the schedule, or online. Refer to course schedule notes section for exact number of in-person sessions versus online sessions. In-person sessions will take place at McMaster Continuing Education.

You should expect to allocate approximately six to eight hours per week to complete your work but you don’t need to log on at a specific time.

A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 7 days before the course start date.

Courses are made “live” in A2L 3 days prior to course start date

Considerations for Taking a Blended Course

You are good at keeping yourself on task to complete a project. You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email or a discussion board.

You are able to read the material (and the assignments) on your own and understand the concepts.

You are able to work independently, but you like to interact with others and have the opportunity to touch base in-person with your instructor and your class to make sure you are on track.

You have a quiet place to complete your work.

You are comfortable using technology.

Online Formats

Online (self-study)

Courses have a bimonthly intake starting September 15 with subsequent start dates on November 15, January 15, March 15, May 15 and July 15.

Enrolment is open in online courses up to the start date of the class.

Students have up to five (5) months to complete an online course, but are welcome to work ahead of the schedule and complete the course at a faster pace, if desired.

It is important to note that although students are permitted to accelerate through course material, no student will be permitted to schedule/sit the final examination earlier than two (2) months post course start date.

For assignments submitted ahead of the due date for that assignment, course facilitators will provide feedback on a “best efforts basis” within the 10 business day guideline, but this turnaround is not guaranteed.

You should expect to allocate approximately nine to twelve hours per week to complete your work, but you don’t need to log on at a specific time.

Assignments are due on specified days throughout the course duration.

Online courses comprise of a series of assignments, research paper or case studies valued at 40% of the final mark, as well as a comprehensive final examination worth 60% of the final mark.

Final examinations are in-person proctored exams. Students have the option of writing at McMaster University or at a university or college in their area. Students are
responsible for any proctoring/mailing fees that the offsite testing centre may
charge.

Courses are designed for you to work through and learn the course material at your own pace.

Courses use McMaster’s online learning management system called Avenue to Learn (A2L) to access course materials, including course notes, instructional videos and electronic readings, practice exercises/problems, formal hand in assignments, and other course resources. Most courses make use of discussion board, so as to provide opportunities for peer to peer dialogue, group dialogue and instructor to group/student communication. A2L is also used for assignment submission and feedback. A2L is web-based and can be accessed from any internet connection.

You have access to a tutor to support your learning, as required. The tutor marks all assignments and provides feedback where needed.

Courses are made “live” in A2L 3 days prior to course start date. A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 9 days before the course start date.

Considerations for Online (Self Study)

You are able to work independently.

You can keep yourself on task to complete a project.

You are able to learn with little, if any, peer discussions

You are able to commit to nine to twelve hours per week for course readings, exercises, case studies, assignments, etc.

You are able to read the textbook (and the assignments) on your own and work through the concepts.

You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email or a discussion board.

You have a quiet place to complete your work.

You are comfortable using technology.

You have access to a computer and the internet.

Online Format

Teaching methods include weekly readings, facilitated discussion boards, videos, narrated PowerPoint slides, group and individual projects, assignments. You will be interacting with your classmates and your instructor each week. Ecomonics (ACC 818) has a final examination.

You should expect to allocate approximately six to eight hours per week to complete your work but you don’t need to log on at a specific time.

A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 7 days before the course start date. Courses are made “live” in A2L on the course start date.

Considerations for Taking an Online Course

You are good at keeping yourself on task to complete a project.

You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email or a discussion board.

You are able to read the textbook (and the assignments) on your own and understand the concepts.